Can You DIY Service R-1234yf AC Systems?

Рет қаралды 178,996

5 жыл бұрын

I think this is a question that is on the minds of a lot of new vehicle owners, especially owners that are used to servicing their own vehicles. Can you service R1234yf AC systems as a DIYer?
In this video I offer my take on this question and also offer helpful advice on servicing AC systems in general.
If you have an HVAC problem, check out this link: www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/sol...
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Links
HFO Refrigerants Explained: www.kth.se/en/itm/inst/energi...
R1235yf Info: futuregas.ac/automotive/r1234yf/
Do You Need a License to Buy R1234yf?: refrigeranthq.com/f-a-q/need-...
R1234yf Gauge Set: www.amazon.com/Mastercool-832...
R1234yf Refrigerant: www.amazon.com/DiY-Parts-Hone...
R1234yf Recycling, Recharging, and Recovery Machine: www.toolpan.com/Mahle-ACX2280...
Related Videos
AC System Basics: • AC System Basics - Eri...
How To Perform and AC Performance Check: • AC Performance Test - ...
How To Recharge an AC System: • How To Recharge an AC ...
How To Find and Repair AC Leaks: • How To Find and Repair...
How To Top Off Your AC System: • How To 'Top Off' Your ...
How To Retrofit an AC System from R12 to R134a: • How To Retrofit an AC ...
Increasing AC Performance by Cleaning your Condenser: • Increasing AC Performa...
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@ZackJenkins 2 жыл бұрын

You just answered all of the questions I had about my Honda.

@topherbec7578 4 жыл бұрын

As a fleet manager, I had to purchase new machines, refrigerant which is four times more expensive and a recharge process that takes twice as long. Not to mention having to train my techs. Nice job EPA, keep giving it to the little guy.

@mikeb1617 4 жыл бұрын

your lucky...it means you can charge your cx four times the cost of repairs.....lmao

@eltonyancey6426 2 жыл бұрын

That's what they do best.

@mikeb1617 4 жыл бұрын

Eric your spot on correct about the stack of condensers that need to be delivered to every dealership in North America. thanks for sharing this information on KZfaq for all Honda passenger vehicle drivers.

@JJ-iw7nh 5 жыл бұрын

I can say it's been a real challenge and quite the education dealing with the new refrigerant. Takes me almost an hour to properly charge a system now. And yes I am bouncing back and forth between 2 bays just to make time and money.

@smokeysmith1282 11 ай бұрын

Your response has peaked my curiosity here 😂 What is taking longer? 1. Fittings or hooking up the manifold hoses. 2. Vacuum process. 3. Charging (still by weight) 4. Verifying correct operation. I’m wanting to remove the refrigerant and as much oil as possible and then re-add accordingly. What say you? ThankYou

@rickpalechuk4411 5 жыл бұрын

"Whatever it is that you have that sweats" Priceless Eric, thanks for sharing, Cheers

@InsideOfMyOwnMind 5 жыл бұрын

You now have to make room for the non-binary people and the alphabet people whenever you speak of gender on KZfaq.

@stonent 5 жыл бұрын

One left testicle and one right double-D organ.

@WBatte1 4 жыл бұрын

I trained as an automotive service technician back when R 12 was being phased out in favor of R134a. This new change seems a lot like planned obsolescence . I became an engine builder . So I have not done much work on AC systems unless it was a car I was trying to sell . My one personal project truck that I did put air conditioning on didn't come from the factory with it . So I installed a classic air system . It actually cost me about the same money to install AC as It did to make the 5.7 liter Hemi run in a 1978 dodge Powerwagon .

@mikeh6876 5 жыл бұрын

Just a little FYI: Iso-Butane is a better refrigerant than Propane. But, like you said, flammable. Now, consider that your A/C system is a closed loop. And, barring a catastrophic accident, will not start a fire. Unlike the movies, compressed Propane will not explode when punctured by anything. Even if a flame is present - no explosion - just a rush of flame and them - out.

@tomboxyz5564 4 жыл бұрын

Just recently there was a car accident with a van that had the refrigerant replaced with propane, the firefighters had trouble trying to extinguish the car because of it... The fuel is the only highly flameable medium I accept to keep in my car

@mikeh6876 4 жыл бұрын

@@tomboxyz5564 Yep - I have read stories like that and they all have been debunked. An A/C system charged with Butane will spew for about 15 seconds before stopping. If the fire Dept had a problem extinguishing the blaze, it was not the fault of the Butane

@edburns1801 5 жыл бұрын

My 1989 truck with original R12 AC has been running for two years now on R152A (air duster). Cold as ice and $2.00 a can.

@grad0n 5 жыл бұрын

Ed Burns haven’t heard of that trick

@Dexron3 5 жыл бұрын

Duc Rider Thank you for all that great information but you may want to check that math at the end of your post.

@kevev 5 жыл бұрын

Works great in r134a systems also. Lower head pressure, so easier on the whole system.

@mattmccoy2410 5 жыл бұрын

I thought about doing that.

@philiprizek6384 5 жыл бұрын

I knew an old AC Tech drove an old school bus around the to fix people's air conditioners use propane that air conditioner on a school bus

@indridcold8433 4 жыл бұрын

Just change the compressor out with an R-134a compressor after the compressor goes bad. vacuum the system, fill with R-134a, and you have air conditioning. I have done this with several R-12 equipped vehicles that lost their compressors to age. I just went to the salvage yard, got a compressor used with R-134a, vacuum, and fill.

@mikeshiflett1562 4 жыл бұрын

I bought 3 case's of r12 back in 92 when i was 17 fir no other reason but to just have it. I still have 89 mustang that uses it. And still have 30 of those cans in the garage. Now that the 1234yf is out I've started buying 134 at Wal-Mart just to have. So far I'm up to around 4 cases. It's like ammo I just keep buying it.

@citrusfarmer 5 жыл бұрын

My main man Eric. Another one out of the ballpark.

@bigdaddymak1439 4 жыл бұрын

I remember when 134a came out and a can of it was uber expensive. I think the more vehicles that use it the price will come down. And I also remember all fear the manufacturers put out about how you can't do this or that or you'll ruin you a/c and it ended up being b.s. I just wonder who is behind this new refrigerant because I don't see why the need to change other than some huge Corp making huge amounts of money and making it even harder for independent shops to make it!!

@combatjm89 4 жыл бұрын

I remember having to take a test to get an "R-12 card" back in the day. Then the R-12 was so expensive I was better off converting my vehicles to R-134a. They'll probably pull the same thing with R-134a. Thanks EU...

@CattleRock 4 жыл бұрын

i heard they were pulling off R12....and i went out and bought 3 cases of it....had like 72 cans of it in the early-mid 1990's. i was selling $4 cans for $10 to $20. years later.

@mattmccoy2410 5 жыл бұрын

Love love love repairing ac systems and paint just my Favorites.

@ridingwiththereids 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this. People come into Napa all the time asking for this stuff. Yeah, we sell the 8oz cans. For $45ea. And the little valve that punctures the can for $15. But we don't offer a gauge setup. Just the whole machine for $5700 😂😂

@CattleRock 4 жыл бұрын

no worries....gauge set-up will be coming from China for $11. on E-Bay soon enough.

@hugoporon2165 4 жыл бұрын

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

@Crispy22 5 жыл бұрын

interesting. i just had a customer call in asking me about this, and i had no idea what he was talking about. good to know, time to do more research

@ETCG1 5 жыл бұрын

Happy to help. Thanks for the comment.

@alexaescht 5 жыл бұрын

Woo! It *is* my birthday today! Thanks Eric

@ETCG1 5 жыл бұрын

Happy Birthday!

@TreyCook21 5 жыл бұрын

Happy Birthday to you!

@MrZdvy 5 жыл бұрын

alexaescht mine too😉

@mikeb1617 4 жыл бұрын

Hey Eric, thanks for the heads up on the new refrigerant story. l recently had my 2016 Honda Civic serviced due to a faulty air conditioning blowing hot air, l was lucky enough to return my Honda to have it fixed before my factory warranty ran out this year in August. The 2016 Honda Civic's in Canada have a problem with the condenser's leaking out refrigerant, I'm looking to investigate with Honda Canada as a Goodwill gesture to extend my warranty for next summer, if in case my a/c doesn't work next summer.

@mikeb1617 4 жыл бұрын

This is the best video by Eric showing the last portion of his video regarding Honda's plagued blowing hot air A/C problems. The condenser's are faulty, they need to be replaced. l purchased a 2016 Honda Civic at Richmond Hill Honda, Ontario Canada, they still won't answer my warranty RE/RE.

@knurlgnar24 4 жыл бұрын

Legal issues aside 1234yf and 134a run at nearly the same pressures (by design) and use the same lubricants (by design). You can recharge a 1234yf with 134a without issue in nearly all cases. There are some oil compatibility issues that could come up as they aren't identical chemically so it isn't zero risk but by and large the two refrigerants are interchangeable in practice, you just need to find the right fittings. And if you are worried about oil compatibility just buy some 1234yf oil and add it in. The reason 1234yf is so expensive is that certain companies in the chemical industry lobbied to get their proprietary refrigerants approved since the 134a patent expired instead of an 'open source' type of refrigerant of which there were many options. In short, yes, you can absolutely service 1234yf systems for cheap. It isn't legal, though nothing really is these days and you won't ever get prosecuted for it unless you do it commercially.

@mtsanchez27 Жыл бұрын

I have a 2016 Honda Civic that uses 1234yf. So, can I top it off with R134a with the right fittings?

@jeffscott3919 Жыл бұрын

@@mtsanchez27 NO. You need to evacuate the system 1st, then add the R134 and oil.

@jeffscott3919 Жыл бұрын

Could not have said it better, it's dirty politics. (Dem and GOP both) Lobby to change laws after they invest in the company who makes R1234rf

@kassemadam3005 Жыл бұрын

@@mtsanchez27 You can use r134a, but like he said above, you have to vacuum out all the refrigerant and moisture before recharging with r134a.

@mtsanchez27 Жыл бұрын

@@kassemadam3005 thank you

@jackieliner3812 4 жыл бұрын

Evacuate the system, let it sat for a while, see if it holds vacuum, add a little freon, check for leaks,, if no leaks are found, completely recharge the system, that’s standard procedure for all a/c systems, regardless of freon type,

@FlyEaglesFly19111 4 жыл бұрын

You forgot pressurize with nitrogen and spray connections with soap bubbles first..then pull a vacuum(with a proper micron gauge). If no bubbles no troubles..and if vacuum pulled and sitting ( not vacuum pumump running) below 400microns then system should be tight. I pull all my systems ( cars to 300ton equipment to standing 200microns and below.

@Got2gofishin 3 жыл бұрын

You do some pretty cool videos Eric. I own a couple shops in Arizona, Sedona to be exact. I have used several of your videos to help train some of my younger techs. I wish I could find a tech like you. (Wanna relocate to Sedona AZ?) Keep up the great videos.

@ETCG1 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the invite! You're right, good help is getting harder to find these days it seems. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/it-UiJiSzdWYqaM.html

@hondofourfivetwo9347 5 жыл бұрын

I’m remembering buying an old beater work truck looked and ran about as well as you’d think a $1K truck would (Cali vehicle so just surface rust) the one thing that really sold me on it was an ice cold R12 AC system I mean jacket on with AC full cold on a 90deg day 🤣. When it came time to sell it on to the next guy I actually sold it for more than what I put into it including original purchase price. Again ice cold AC was the big selling feature, definitely one of the few times I’ve made such a large profit from the sale of a vehicle.

@EarlSinclair97 5 жыл бұрын

I remember the R-12 A/C in my old Ford Bronco was always super cold. You could practically hang meat in there - even on the hottest summer day! After driving for 2 hours you'd feel the way Frankie Carbone looked in Goodfellas.

@Acroposthion 4 жыл бұрын

A friend of mine had an old FoxBody Mustang, with an A/C system like that. It could be 96 degrees and humid out - but practically SNOW inside!!!

@jirizhanel795 4 жыл бұрын

I replaced my whole A/C system for 450 dollar. Of course I have to learn everything about A/C system. But it was worth it.

@Newcumpas1 4 жыл бұрын

Jiri Zhanel I did the same 6 years ago.

@charlieshepherd7829 4 жыл бұрын

I work for Honda. 16 Civics have huge issues with the compressors leaking. Almost 2k repair when out of pocket. The new ac machine makes repair take much longer. Great educational video about the new tech for ac.

@ETCG1 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the info!

@Guillotines_For_Globalists 4 жыл бұрын

Our brand new R410 residential system seems to cool just as well if not better than the old R22 system. As for R134, it can get pretty icy chill in the car. I don't remember R12 so much but from what I do remember (in grandma's 1980 Oldsmobile) it was also similar!

@nitraml4536 5 жыл бұрын

The worst part in an automotive shop is that customers are going to freak out when they see the receipt for a a/c charge They be like why so much

@frankrodriguez7468 4 жыл бұрын

Finally a Great video....great explanation of the AC repairs.

@bradmironik6137 4 жыл бұрын

Good information. As a former hvac/r tech I understand what is happening but don't agree with the epa. Eric, you are correct . Proper knowledge and training is a key when working on refrigeration systems. The auto parts stores shouldn't even sell the cans that have a hose on it. Most people have no clue what to do except for I watched a video on KZfaq.

@CRAPO2011 5 жыл бұрын

STP needs to get on this quick A/C Pro the 1234yf version :-)

@MrEyad1990 5 жыл бұрын

More eric please . Keep it coming .

@bryangpeterson77 3 жыл бұрын

I can almost guarantee that you could remove the R1234yf and replace it with R134a. The operating pressures and temperatures are almost identical so the metering device will be unaffected and they both use the same oil.

@kassemadam3005 Жыл бұрын

Its more of a regulation issue that these machines enforce when contamination is detected. If you do the conversion you better be okay with never taking your car to a mechanic to do work on your ac system.

@smokeysmith1282 11 ай бұрын

Wanting to chat with someone who’s actually made the change back to 134A. Anyone?

@kassemadam3005 11 ай бұрын

@@smokeysmith1282 I have done it and have ran my ac for 2 years now with no issues. Feel free to send any questions.

@ArcChain 5 жыл бұрын

Every newfangled thing that comes out on cars these days, the longer my chevy truck is gonna stay on the road.

@HairyTheCandyMan 3 жыл бұрын

R-1234yf: *helps environment* R-134a: *screams* Freon: *screams*

@watcher206 Ай бұрын

@HairyTheCandyMan I think it's more like: Environmentalist reaction to refrigerant: 1234yf: *nods in approval* R-134a: *faints* R-12: * Runs to the nearest firearm And suck starts it.*

@ArcChain Ай бұрын

😂😂😂@@watcher206

@Viperman200221 5 жыл бұрын

One of my Co-workers works at a stealership. He told me that it takes about an hour to evacuate a 1234yf system versus 10-15 mins for a 134a.

@jcortes3930 3 жыл бұрын

It can take about 8 seconds if you just pull one of the valves

@Viperman200221 3 жыл бұрын

@@jcortes3930 Yeah, but he likes his job and doesn't want to get fired for not going "by the book", LOL!

@jayyoutube8790 5 жыл бұрын

They keep changing the refrigerant required, keeping the cost up.

@michaelsolis9891 4 жыл бұрын

Thought it was because of environmental damage.

@indridcold8433 4 жыл бұрын

@@michaelsolis9891 That is what will be claimed. The R-12 of days gone by did cause ozone damage in the upper atmosphere. But the R-134a does not have that issue. Whenever govenement agencies can get away with abusing power, they will do it.

@michaelsolis9891 4 жыл бұрын

@@indridcold8433 that's a shame...

@southernstyle8835 4 жыл бұрын

The old R22 is expensive, the new replacement 410A is not.

@indridcold8433 4 жыл бұрын

@@southernstyle8835 The R-134a is really affordable also.

@joshrobinson856 4 жыл бұрын

Place I work also has a body shop. We recently got a new Rq234yf machine. Only had to use it a few times so far. Yes the big cans are pretty expensive but we didn't need any special licences to buy one.

@zygi22 2 жыл бұрын

We’ll see how this new stuff will hold up in 10-15 years….I suspect leaks and thousands in repair cost will be the outcome….But don’t you know? You “saved” the environment in the process! Bravo!

@smokeysmith1282 11 ай бұрын

Off topic here, but humans can never save a planet that the Bible says that due to human sin, God is gonna destroy the planet by fire 🔥. 😂

@davidcunningham00 5 жыл бұрын

Yet another reason why I do not want a new vehicle

@evlo8059 5 жыл бұрын

new cars don't use r1234yc, it was used for short period of time, not anymore, or at least not where I live, I know gulf spec. cars sometimes use different A/C system. But currently used AC uses co2 for "refrigerant".

@davidcunningham00 5 жыл бұрын

@@evlo8059 Good to know

@davidcunningham00 4 жыл бұрын

@@3rdworldgarage450 that is why you Yank that motor transmission and computer with wiring harness out and throw it away and put in something that really does work old school baby

@elBusDriverKC 4 жыл бұрын

I had to purchase a new work van (I do commercial HVAC - also have my 609). All the newer vans have 1234yf. I had to compromise and get a low mileage slightly older van that ran 134a. I want to give it another 5 - 8 years so that the price of 1234yf comes down and the equipment (gauges, recovery machines etc...) become more prevalent and therefore cheaper. Thanks for a good video on this topic.

@FlyEaglesFly19111 4 жыл бұрын

If you have Testo or Field piece gauges it's as simple as a download to add the data into them.

@sabriath 4 жыл бұрын

I used to be a mechanic and a guy came in with a bad AC unit, another mechanic said "you can't work on that, you're not certified, I am, so pull it into my bay." (even though I knew a lot about HVAC) I then watch as he bleeds the system straight to air.......yeah, "certified" guys are very important in life, sure. I'll stick to DIY, thanks. :)

@nismo2070 4 жыл бұрын

I did a motor swap on a 2014 Charger last week. I was going to pull the freon and remove some A/C parts to make the job easier until I saw the funky fittings. I was kind of surprised to see R1234yf in a five year old car. I ended up working around it instead.....

@jayx.6813 2 жыл бұрын

Great information in this video, thanks. (I’m still gonna try to top it off!)

@JustinDowDIYcentralhighway 5 жыл бұрын

Great Video Topic Eric. I Agree AC should be looked at by a professional rather than topping off the system and hoping for the best. There’s a reason why it’s not working correctly and mostly from what I’ve seen this hot season is leaks more so than electrical.

@ETCG1 5 жыл бұрын

I totally agree.

@TJC450 5 жыл бұрын

Justin Dow I topped mine off and hoped for the best lol

@Andy47357 5 жыл бұрын

i enjoy watching the idiots put the can on the high pressure line and explode the bottle next to their head!

@evlo8059 5 жыл бұрын

@@Andy47357 what?

@paulmelah8667 5 жыл бұрын

I agree but some of us DIYers can work on the ac. I work on my own cars. But then again only some of us DIYers have the knowledge and experience (2 yrs at an ASE cert ac shop)

@Dinger154 5 жыл бұрын

Someone told me that R134a works just fine in the new systems. He just bought the new connectors for 10 bucks that are different to the old ones and regassed his car and it works 100%.

@fakiirification 5 жыл бұрын

yeah, change the connectors, flush the lines to get all the oil out, and recharge with the proper oil for the compressor when running 134, and you should be good to go. just dont take it to the dealer for service or they will freak out. lmao

@AntonioClaudioMichael 4 жыл бұрын

Great video Eric

@Fair9Balanced 4 жыл бұрын

DIYers you really need to pay attention to this video. I am a 609a certified DIYer/semi-professional. Have replaced many systems for my personal self and friends. R1234YF is an an entirely new game and you can get hurt or destroy your system. The presenter is correct, the cost of the refrigerant is prohibitive if you have a leak in your system. Topping your system off is not the answer.

@AntonioClaudioMichael 4 жыл бұрын

Great topic Eric

@rickgaine3476 5 жыл бұрын

Eric, as someone that works on cars, you should know that the 3 most important things on a vehicle are air conditioning, the radio, and the cup holder. Not much else matters.

@littlerhino2006 4 жыл бұрын

Cruise control?

@killer2600 3 жыл бұрын

@@littlerhino2006 Depends on the owner and whether they drive long distances and/or if they even know how to operate the cruise control. But frankly, I've seen the radio break many times more than the cruise control go out. It's a pretty reliable system, up there with the cup holder I'd say.

@carlosqlv Жыл бұрын

car weight

@justindr2 5 жыл бұрын

The jug of 1234yf is 1000$ per jug. The good part is that the RobinAir system for the new refrigerant is that when you recover it tests it for contamination

@tractyzadorozny2972 5 жыл бұрын

I work for a all makes shop and we were the first non dealer to get r1234yf recovery machine and this new refrigerant is very difficult to work with you can have a low charge and pressures look normal and in canada the 10lb bottle shop cost is 800 canadian pesos

@ETCG1 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for that info.

@coldfinger459sub0 5 жыл бұрын

Tracty Zadorozny you’re lucky it’s so cheap now when I first started buying 10 pound containers they were well over $1500. $800 is almost half price

@iand6078 5 жыл бұрын

Yep, ive DIY topped up several 134a AC systems and crossed my fingers. Its a pretty cheap diagnostic tool and most of the time it has fixed it. It didnt work in my Honda (dead compressor), another car lost AC pressure over a few weeks so i left it empty, but had always intended to get a professional to fix it.

@wobblysauce 5 жыл бұрын

Stuff with the leak stop is all most need... if it can't, you have other problems anyway.

@caddyguy5369 5 жыл бұрын

wobbly sauce The problem with stop leak is after that you most likely won't be able to get the a/c professionally serviced in the future if need be. At least not without a lot of expense.

@ETCG1 5 жыл бұрын

I'm not a fan of this type of diagnosis.

@iand6078 5 жыл бұрын

@@ETCG1 its not great if it just leaks again, especially for the environment, i'll give you that, but sometimes an amatuers gotta work with what he's got.

@ETCG1 5 жыл бұрын

@@iand6078 Well, you have the article I linked in the description full of free information on how to diagnose and repair an AC system properly.

@2010challengerRT 5 жыл бұрын

R-1234yf isn't just a Honda problem either. In the FCA world we are seeing it leak out, a lot. Suction line seals, expansion valve seals, condenser and receiver drier plugs, etc. are now common repairs, which wasn't the case when these same models ran R-134a. Friend of mine at a GM dealer tells me the same thing. For whatever reason, R-1234yf has a way of escaping past any little seal or o-ring that it can. I don't think it was tested well enough before it came to new vehicles. Considering the stupid high cost of this stuff, don't be surprised to see a lot of contaminated AC systems as these vehicles come off warranty and people try backyard repairs.

@punker4Real 4 жыл бұрын

a back yard repair is putting in a old 134a system in to the newer suv

@carlosqlv Жыл бұрын

"backyard" your in the wrong space bud

@davidostring803 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the warning!

@TimTurner115 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you sir that is wonderful information

@rwdplz1 4 жыл бұрын

Everybody wants a quick, easy answer for A/C repair. If you tell them you need a manifold gauge set with the low and high side readings and ambient air temperature to start, they're very disappointed there's actual work involved and not just add a little refrigerant.

@ETCG1 4 жыл бұрын

Truth.

@freakyflow 5 жыл бұрын

I have a 05 Blazer I own hand tools and a 20 gal compressor Airtools from A to Z Done a full paint job right down to wetsand and polish replaced a heater core Done a proper 2.5 lift kit Full brakes and lines Fuel lines etc etc Only thing i have never done is a A/C unit If i had a few bucks and didn't bother to read my Haynes manual or look online for the most info on doing DIY my first guess would be grabbing refridgerant with dye But knowing the Truck is 15 years old Really I need to break down everything that would be common and go from there

@thinman8621 4 жыл бұрын

Good info. Thanks!

@isaacmoore3285 4 жыл бұрын

They did extend the warranty on some of those Hondas. 1234yf is pretty much the biggest pain in my ass to service. The purity check, the vacuum test, the pressure test, the half charge pressure test, the vacuum cycle again, the 3/4 charge pressure test and the full charge if the system passes all the tests. Roughly about 20-30 minutes in a good scenario.

@copperlocks1 5 жыл бұрын

LOL!! just reverse retrofit to Propane{R290a) or IsoButane (R600a);I am sure there is more explosive energy in a tank of regular gas than a few ounces of propane; use nylog on all O-rings and valve fittings to prevent leaks; the amount to fill the system is less than R12 ;R134a. Which politician mandated this change?

@Luckingsworth 5 жыл бұрын

California no doubt

@SmittySmithsonite 5 жыл бұрын

I had a TXV system charged with propane, and it blew ice cubes! 33°F vent temps @ 95°F ambient and 75% humidity down South. It worked fantastic in that system, but on a regular orifice tube system, the head pressures got WAY too high for me to be comfortable. My 2 older vehicles were all restored using R12 - one was reverse-retrofitted. Shhhh, don't tell anyone. 😁 Both blow ice cubes up here in the humid Northeast all summer long. Low 40's when rolling, and no higher than 55°F stuck in traffic. I use Nylon on everything - that stuff is fantastic. Liquid snot, lol. 👍

@Andy47357 5 жыл бұрын

have a r12 system that blew 34 in 100 but got retrofitted for r134 and blew 40 at 100. remove the heater core lines in the summer and the ac blows 28 in 100 weather

@fakiirification 5 жыл бұрын

probably one of those retarded ass communist democrats. #MAGA

@picklerix6162 5 жыл бұрын

@@SmittySmithsonite - I just bought a bottle of that Nylog. I hear that it's great stuff.

@billrimmer5596 5 жыл бұрын

Good job!! Thank u!

@scrappyny7432 4 жыл бұрын

Yea the temptation to convert to propane is growing. Boooom!

@mariesepich7557 4 жыл бұрын

I've really enjoyed these clips... and couldn't have made it this far through automotive training without you! Question: Why are some refrigerants added to the high side and some to the low side? How do you add blends (high or low?)

@shotguncamaro1214 2 жыл бұрын

UNLESS you have a machine that can do that, YOU NEVER, NEVER, NEVER add anything to the high side with it running. You could possibly get hurt very bad doing that.

@ariesr4883 4 жыл бұрын

Found this out too when my sister 2017 civic ac freon was low. Then tried to see if I can "fill" it then saw the price and said "is it still under warranty?" Lol when I typed this u just said it about the Hondas lol 5:34

@JT-rk8ix Жыл бұрын

I can attest to the Honda 1234yf system. I personally owned a 2017 civic EX off the floor with 0 miles, and the ac system was out of refrigerant after 20k miles with no apparent leak after testing. Even a two day follow up with dye revealed no leaks. The most bizarre thing man… both me and the technician were stumped. Never had a problem since, and it’s pushing 100k miles.

@jayyoutube8790 5 жыл бұрын

I have a 89 and 92 civic that both have factory AC and still work. Wife had a 2010 Mazda that’s been trouble free as well

@andrewbutton5580 5 жыл бұрын

Me too

@Max-kj1xb 4 жыл бұрын

Best info I have found yet for DIY 1234YF freon recharge for my 2014 Cherokee; but I was hoping you would show it being done. Is it the same procedure as the R134 recharge?

@comput3rman77 5 жыл бұрын

Eric, you mentioned that it was $34 for the 8oz canister, but didn't mention how much the 10lb was in comparison (even though you do have to be 609 certified to buy it). I just did a quick look and saw anywhere between $700 and $1800. So even if you have your AC serviced by a professional, it will still cost an arm and a leg to have it serviced compared to R134 A.

@jims.3987 5 ай бұрын

Shit I saw one for $2400 and this is 4 years later. lol

@georgebonney90 5 жыл бұрын

Thank u etcg1👍

@nickstej 4 жыл бұрын

Great video, especially relevant to newer Honda owners with the new R-1234yf system. I'm currently leasing a 2017 Civic Sport 1.5L turbo with dead AC. I took it slightly past the 36K warranty when the AC started to fade. They told me at Venice Honda (FL) that the compressor had gone bad, but I would have to pay ~$1700 to replace the condenser (or vice versa, sorry) or they could not fix either. One part was on a recall, but the other was out of warranty range, so I was out of luck. Honda owns the car, but still refuses to fix it. It's a great car otherwise and I was definitely going to buy it after the lease expired, but just have to walk away. It was a nice break not having to turn a wrench for a few years, but it's back to an old truck for me. What a shame, hope this helps.

@edmondlau511 Жыл бұрын

What did you end up doing with the car?

@nickstej Жыл бұрын

@@edmondlau511 Funny enough, a can of AC stop leak fixed the problem, at least temporarily. I can't recall the brand, but it was a complete success on the cheap. I'd gone way over on mileage by lease end, so I got stuck trading it in for a new lease to avoid fees. The 2020 Honda CRV has been perfect, though in hindsight I should have gone with AWD. One more year and I'll finally be back in a fun V8 truck.

@edmondlau511 Жыл бұрын

@@nickstej my 2018 Civic is fun to me coming from a 2003 Civic. 😂 With these crazy gas prices, I’m glad I went with a Civic.

@edmondlau511 Жыл бұрын

@@nickstej I ended up putting a can of 1234yf in on Sunday and it's held up over a 600 road trip from central to west Texas in some hot temperatures. Hope it can hold for a few months at a time.

@nickstej Жыл бұрын

@@edmondlau511 That's great news, glad it worked for you. The AC charge on my Civic lasted about a year and was still blowing cold air when I turned it in. Here's hoping you have the same luck.

@KENARDO 5 жыл бұрын

It's 1993 all over again. All of these problems faced shops and DIYers when we changed over from R-12 to R-134a. It'll be a few years of difficulty and growing pains for HFO-1234yf, but the market will catch up. It did last time.

@ETCG1 5 жыл бұрын

I agree, but it's the service time of R1234yf that wasn't a part of the last evolution. The only thing that changed last time was the refrigerant.

@coldfinger459sub0 5 жыл бұрын

KENARDO they’re already looking into phase out what is being called the new refrigerant R1234YF it is just a temporary of refrigerant just like R134 They found out this new refrigerant when exposed to the atmosphere rain and sun makes a plant growth hormone inhibitor

@kathyporter1718 4 жыл бұрын

I like how your video popped up right after my car AC crapped out

@gregorykusiak5424 4 жыл бұрын

Kathy Porter google is listening to you. All the alphabet companies are. And more beyond those as well. Turn your phone off- fully power it down- when you’re not using it.

@allensmith8953 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Eric

@npsit1 4 жыл бұрын

Ugh. Goverment regulations. "Let's make this new refrigerant difficult to obtain by most people and super expesive! Yeah!"

@willyck948 5 жыл бұрын

I did have 97 Buick with over 260,000 miles had week or no ac depending on the day. Looked over the accumulater and lines for condensation to see if anything was cold, only the lines were cold. Being a high milage car I gave it a shot couldn't hurt to try and it did help for 2 seasons then got week again wasn't worth dumping anymore cash into it. My take away is if it's not blowing cold air there's usually a reason and if your going to fix it minus well do the entire system so it covered under warrenty. Here's a rant for you Have you played any warrenty games😅 Buy cheap without warrenty and it doesn't last. Buy better quality and it to doesn't last either. Spin the wheel and try your luck see how long you can go on a cheap buck😅

@Darksyne 5 жыл бұрын

Here in Canada a 10LB tank of 1234yf costs nearly $1300! Meanwhile a 30lb 134A tank doesn't even cost $200. Personally I'd avoid any new car that uses 1234yf until the prices comes down.

@ETCG1 5 жыл бұрын

Even when refrigerant prices do come down, it still takes significantly longer to service a 1234yf system which will increase the labor cost of service.

@Darksyne 5 жыл бұрын

@@ETCG1 Sounds like another Dupont conspiracy, just introduce another gas once their previous patent expires just to increase profits while saying it's environmentally "safer" lol

@austinboguess3301 5 жыл бұрын

todays actually my grandads birthday and tomorrow is my birthday. i was hoping that your wouldpost a video on july 2nd,my bday, but i guess its close enough. thanks for all the good content.

@MotoCycle 4 жыл бұрын

I’ve used propane based refrigerants in many of my cars. Works really well.

@makerofmanythings8447 3 жыл бұрын

My 2014 jeep grand cherokee is making sounds like it's on a respirator when the A/C is running. If I turn the A/C off and just use the blower fan the sound goes away. Have you heard of this before. Thank you very much for making this video.

@chasmarischen4459 Жыл бұрын

Good video. Thanks.

@joeshmoe781 5 жыл бұрын

So let me get this straight 1234yf is flammable, as is propane, as is R-12 with an oil charge. But you are somehow afraid of twelve ounces of propane but you are not afraid of 16 gallons of gasoline. Thanks, I'll use propane and stay cool.

@cpufreak101 5 жыл бұрын

The main concern is with a front end impact. Fuel thanks are built to handle a bit of an impact, wheras an A/C condenser isn't so much

@abochavez 4 жыл бұрын

Way to go! My only question is why? What is the motive behind the changes? Is it to compete or to drive profits up?

@IrishLizard44 4 жыл бұрын

abochavez neither, car companies have look at emissions for the whole vehicle, not just the tail pipe. R12 was not a clean chemical. R134a was better but had a “lifespan” of use. Just as tail pipe emissions get a little tighter every year, so do other parts of the vehicle. It is no better or worse than R134a, just cleaner if it gets into the air. If you worked in the automotive industry in the last 15 years you would have heard that this was coming. Now it is being rolled out. As with everything new it is priced high, after a few years and it becomes more the norm it will drop in price and not be a big deal.

@rogermurph101 5 жыл бұрын

I remember when r134a came out. It was impossible to get in auto parts stores and was stupid expensive if anybody did carry it. And now it’s not. Same thing here.

@coldfinger459sub0 5 жыл бұрын

rogermurph101 I remember the switchover when I bought my first 30 pound jug of our 134 back in 1990is about $300 and that would be equivalent to about $1000 plus now

@carl0s288 2 жыл бұрын

Can i use my r1234A manifold to check the pressure on a r1234yf system? I know i would need to get the r1234yf schrader valve but there should be no issues right?

@moeshouse575 4 жыл бұрын

i knew a guy that had a shop. his buddy had a shop less than 100 ft away. but the EPA made both shops have there own machines.

@eltonyancey6426 2 жыл бұрын

Probably got a kick back from the company that made the machines.Big government ,rotten .

@sirtokesalot47 5 жыл бұрын

ive been using r152a in my cars for a bit now and it performs very well get ice cold a/c and there's hardly any noticeable power consumption using it as there was with r134a. yes its air duster. i dont know if it would work with r1234yf but it works great in r134a and r12 systems

@CRAPO2011 5 жыл бұрын

I believe you those air duster cans get ice cold

@SmittySmithsonite 5 жыл бұрын

We will soon find out! People aren't going to pay for 1234YF, so they WILL find alternatives.

@NETWizzJbirk 2 жыл бұрын

… and it’s legal to vent because it’s a propellant. Ironically, you can buy fellows cans of air duster with 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane also known as HFC-134a. Perfectly legal to vent as a propellant not as a refrigerant

@TheDrunkardHu 5 жыл бұрын

Guess I just won't buy a new car... That simple.

@TreyCook21 5 жыл бұрын

Same here

@Andy47357 5 жыл бұрын

better stock up on r134 then because it’s going to end up like r12 did. you got to go to mexico for the propane mixed r12

@TheDrunkardHu 5 жыл бұрын

@@Andy47357 If there continues to be a market for it, it will continue to be made. Plain and simple.

@evlo8059 5 жыл бұрын

@copperlocks1 5 жыл бұрын

@@evlo8059 R744 aka CO2 is used ;just a higher pressure system;so all the componentes have to be re engineered

@redmesa2975 5 жыл бұрын

Old refrigerators used to operate on propane. My uncle had one at his mountain cabin, growing up. No electricity required.

@jeremyalbert2069 4 жыл бұрын

as of yet from the trainings that i have had for the new refrigerant , there are no available retrofits for 1234yf into older cars that are r134a , the new machines are coming down in price from around 6k and up , and depending on what area in the country you are in small cans of 1234yf are not available for purchase by diy people , we have not purchased a machine yet we will have to this year as we are sending away too many cars that we cant service .

@jakleo337 4 жыл бұрын

1234 YF. Does the YF stand for 'Yellow Flame' or ' Your Fucked' ?

@daveybernard1056 4 жыл бұрын

At 100USD/lb, I think we know the answer.

@WBatte1 4 жыл бұрын

The answer to this question is on the floor. You will need to bend over to read it .

@obviouslytwo4u 4 жыл бұрын

Don't you mean you're fucked???? Dummy

@marshalllhiepler 4 жыл бұрын

Jamie Carter, Guess its settled then. YF stands for "You Fool".

@StumpyVanLife 4 жыл бұрын

@@obviouslytwo4u I can't stand people who think they are a sworn officer of the grammar police.

@person12307 5 жыл бұрын

Eric r290 propane is being used in some small display refrigerators

@nokoolaid 5 жыл бұрын

Propane for AC is popular in Mexico.

@punker4Real 4 жыл бұрын

yes gas fired fridge?

@bronzechicken4437 5 жыл бұрын

I don't think it'll be long before there'll be a easy retrofit for this, it's my understanding that this is explosive.

@mike201488 5 жыл бұрын

Bought a new 134a vacuum and guage set from harbor freight, 1234yf can tap and a few adapters and did the ac on our 18 focus after a collision. It can be done but boooyyyyy was it a headache. Anything to do with 1234yf has left hand threads. Good luck.

@dieselscience 4 жыл бұрын

Did Harbor Freight (horror freight) have the adapters?

@mike201488 4 жыл бұрын

@@dieselscience no. Can tap for 1234yf came from advanced auto parts as did the coolant. I found the adapters online as well as qd couplers as they are different as well

@dieselscience 4 жыл бұрын

@@mike201488 thanks...

@Chaddz3 4 жыл бұрын

If I were you, since you had to replace most of the AC stuff anyway due to collision damage, I would have ordered the AC parts for a 15-17 focus which still used 134a. My guess is the compressor, condensor, evaporator, lines, etc are the same, but the pressure switches and TX Valve are different. just simply replace those with the R134a versions from a 2015-17 Focus and recharge the system using the 2015-17 R134a specs... I have a 2018 Focus ST that once the AC dies in it, will be swapped back to 134a.

@crxsleeper18 5 жыл бұрын

Well dang. Cant service the old either. Love my r12 😃🤣

@rusilver01 5 жыл бұрын

What year (s) and model? How does the part fail, leak?

@cbmech2563 4 жыл бұрын

I've been told that 1234 is also highly corrosive. Local Honda dealer got several truck loads of new cars and the 1234 had all leaked out due to to corrosion

@kakeru123 3 жыл бұрын

The dealer can do leak check, condenser replacement and refill yf 1234 in about an hour.

@cgrscott 5 жыл бұрын

I have been lucky in a freaky sort of way. I have 335k on my 2001 Odyssey and I'm still using my original Honda AC compressor and it is still working. I'm still on my original Honda Alternator as well. I was thinking of making my next vehicle a late model Toyota Sienna. The Dodge and Honda products of recent years have not had long lasting AC compressors.

@saleem83 5 жыл бұрын

cgrscott you probably don’t live in Phoenix Arizona

@HungLoo 2 жыл бұрын

I’m currently running a 2020 Civic with the 1.5 engine that uses the 1234yf refrigerant system. My A/C is blowing cool air. I think its just low on refrigerant. Is self servicing the refrigerant easy to do on vehicle like mine? Or should I take it to a professional and let them do it instead?

@5Dale65 3 жыл бұрын

I have a portable AC running on propane (the R290) and it works extremelly well. Using just 700W it can easily cool a 20 square meter room. The device holds just 150 grams of the R290 to work. And for the last - it's just propane, if it vents to the atmosphere nothing bad happens. You can buy cans with R290 with no problem, however the R1234yf is not available for everybody in the EU. You have to be a qualified technician with all the certificates and stuff.